Dissection of Genetic Cell Programmes Driving Early Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Interactions

The persistence through evolution of the arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis between Glomeromycota and plants is probably due to a widespread molecular dialogue between the two partners. Most studies have focussed on established mycorrhizal systems whilst evidence for cellular commitment of the symbiotic partners during early developmental phases is recent. Whereas spore germination by AM fungi can occur spontaneously, subsequent hyphal branching, appressoria differentiation, root penetration and intraradical development leading to symbiosis establishment are under the control of molecular interactions between the two partners. In this chapter, recent work on AM fungus–plant interactions i…

Symbiosis-related plant genes modulate molecular responses in an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus during early root interactions.

To gain further insight into the role of the plant genome in arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) establishment, we investigated whether symbiosis-related plant genes affect fungal gene expression in germinating spores and at the appressoria stage of root interactions. Glomus intraradices genes were identified in expressed sequence tag libraries of mycorrhizal Medicago truncatula roots by in silico expression analyses. Transcripts of a subset of genes, with predicted functions in transcription, protein synthesis, primary or secondary metabolism, or of unknown function, were monitored in spores and germinating spores and during interactions with roots of wild-type or mycorrhiza-defective (Myc–) mutan…

An STE12 gene identified in the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices restores infectivity of a hemibiotrophic plant pathogen

International audience; * • Mechanisms of root penetration by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are unknown and investigations are hampered by the lack of transformation systems for these unculturable obligate biotrophs. Early steps of host infection by hemibiotrophic fungal phytopathogens, sharing common features with those of AM fungal colonization, depend on the transcription factor STE12. * • Using degenerated primers and rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we isolated the full-length cDNA of an STE12-like gene, GintSTE, from Glomus intraradices and profiled GintSTE expression by real-time and in situ RT-PCR. GintSTE activity and function were investigated by heterologous complementation …

Spatial monitoring of gene activity in extraradical and intraradical developmental stages of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by direct fluorescent in situ RT-PCR

International audience; Gene expression profiling based on tissue extracts gives only limited information about genes associated with complex developmental processes such as those implicated in fungal interactions with plant roots during arbuscular mycorrhiza development and function. To overcome this drawback, a direct fluorescent in situ RT-PCR methodology was developed for spatial mapping of gene expression in different presymbiotic and symbiotic structures of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. Transcript detection was optimized by targeting the LSU rRNA gene of Glomus intraradices and monitoring expression of a stearoyl-CoA-desaturase gene that is consistently expressed at high levels in…

Corrigendum to “Spatial monitoring of gene activity in extraradical and intraradical developmental stages of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by direct fluorescent in situ RT-PCR” [Fungal Genet. Biol. 45 (2008) 1155–1165]